Comprehensive semi-final loss sent New Zealand on a downward spiral driven by a fear of being bullied by Northern Hemisphere sides
England do not realise how badly they scarred the All Blacks when they knocked them out of the 2019 World Cup.
It was not just that Eddie Jones’ side ended New Zealand’s dream of winning a historic third successive World Cup, but they also confirmed the All Blacks had developed a vulnerability to opponents who build their game on confrontation.
New Zealand had become fearful of the best Northern Hemisphere sides, in awe of their power, unable to cope with their intensity and size, and with no answers about how to build their attacking patterns against the supremely organised rush defences systems favoured in the Six Nations.
Throughout their history, the All Blacks have had relatively few galling episodes and England’s 19-7 victory in Yokohama would rate as the most defining of the professional age due its shocking and comprehensive nature.